The World Bank is facing pressure to terminate its leading economist, Massimiliano Cali, due to his recent federal lawsuit against President Trump over U.S. sanctions placed on his wife, Francesca Albanese. Albanese works in the Middle East and North Africa division and has been criticized for alleged anti-Semitic remarks and support for terrorism, which led to her husband’s legal actions.
Two U.S. officials are urging the World Bank to remove Cali from his position. The situation escalated when the U.N. special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, whose comments have previously drawn scrutiny, was sanctioned last year.
Concerns have been raised regarding Cali’s own anti-Israel comments shared on social media, which could breach the World Bank’s code of conduct. In earlier posts, he described Israel as a “colonial and apartheid project” and criticized its actions in Gaza. Notably, he has chosen not to comment publicly on these issues.
One U.S. official indicated that if the World Bank is keen on upholding its conduct guidelines, making such statements warrants firing. The official emphasized the apparent conflict of interest due to both the social media posts and the lawsuit against a sitting U.S. president.
Cali, as a senior economist, is compensated handsomely, potentially earning up to $353,800 annually. In the past, he suggested that Europe should accept a greater influx of refugees from the Middle East and made proposals within World Bank papers that seemed unrealistic to some observers.
Another U.S. official criticized the World Bank for allegedly protecting individuals expressing anti-Semitic views while simultaneously engaging in legal battles against the U.S. government.
Albanese and her husband faced sanctions last July amid allegations of coordinated efforts against the U.S. and Israel, with accusations of genocide against Israel adding to the controversy. She subsequently argued that the sanctions were not only politically motivated but also personally damaging.
Cali’s lawsuit claims the U.S. government infringed upon their rights by freezing his wife’s assets in an attempt to stifle dissent regarding Israel. The sanctions were upheld by the State Department, which noted that such actions were lawful.
According to internal World Bank guidelines that recently surfaced, staff members must adequately represent the organization, even when expressing personal opinions, and are expected to avoid any actions that could negatively impact the institution’s reputation.
A spokesperson from the World Bank has yet to address whether Cali has breached these internal protocols. Given U.N. regulations, it fell to Cali to file this lawsuit on behalf of Albanese, targeting various U.S. officials directly.
The couple has faced significant restrictions on accessing their high-value property in Washington, D.C., which further complicates their situation amid the travel ban.
Israeli officials voiced support for the U.S. sanctions, stating that vocal support for terrorism should lead to consequences.
Recent comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed sentiments criticizing Albanese’s viewpoint and underlined the administration’s commitment to sanctioning those who advocate for terrorism.
The World Bank has faced growing scrutiny over its governance and spending practices, particularly following reports of extravagant travel arrangements and their shift towards issues that some view as deviating from their core mission. Critics point out that while advocating for development in other nations, high-earning staff members often enjoy luxurious travel benefits themselves.
As the World Bank’s foundational goals shift since its establishment in 1944, it remains under the influence of its largest shareholder, the U.S., which holds significant power in decision-making processes.
Bank employees continue to earn significant salaries tax-free, highlighting ongoing concerns about fiscal accountability within the organization.
